Frequently Asked Questions

Take a few moments to scroll through our frequently asked questions, or choose a category below to narrow down the list. Still don’t see what you’re looking for? Then get in touch via our contact form with any additional questions or concerns about Yogafest Retreat Somers.

There is the Somers store a 20 minute walk away and a supermarket a 10 minute drive away. We do suggest you may prefer to stay on site and enjoy the chance to retreat from the world however if you need to the shops are not hard to access.

I can only stay for two full days. Do you have a special price for that? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:07:46+00:00

Of course! You are most welcome to attend Yogafest during your pregnancy. Just make sure you consult your doctor and only do things you are comfortable with. Llet the teacher of each session you are attending know about your status.

I haven’t heard from you since I registered. Need I worry about my place? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:14:20+00:00

As Yogafest is staffed by volunteers, there might sometimes be delays in response. Approximatley a week out from yogafest – 3rd June you should receive a final registration email with instructions and car pooling details if you signed up or offered. If you are truly worried that something might have gone wrong with your registration, feel free to email us.

Where does the money go that’s raised for charity? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:11:28+00:00

All money raised goes directly to Amma’s Australian Ashram Building Fund, which includes the building works of a large commercial kitchen used for outreach programs including feeding children healthy nutritious breakfasts before school and supplying food to those in need in Melbourne’s inner north/east. This is a growing program and we are very proud to be able to bring growth to light through Amma’s direction.

Is there a place for parking cars onsite? YogaFest
2017-03-25T21:56:23+00:00

We have a car park onsite that’s reserved for those who need a car close by for mobility issues or if participating regularly in classes held off-site – this will be asked of you at the time. We also have a secure car park just over the road exclusively for Yogafest guests which is where we request the bulk of cars to be parked to avoid any issues.

Lord Somers Camp has a range of shared rooms with bunk beds from 2 per room up to larger dorms. The rooms are all very well heated and have shared bathrooms close by. We allocate one dorm to females, one to males then a shared one. The other rooms are all mixed. Each guest finds their own beds – you have the choice of where to stay!

Do I need to bring my own sleeping gear, like sleeping bag and sheets? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:10:13+00:00

We supply a large number of props, however we also recommend if you have your own to bring them, including a mat. Please label all your things separately and keep them with you at all times so as not to get mixed up in general equipment.

Is there anything that is not permitted on the camp? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:19:51+00:00

Yogafest Retreat is completely drug and alcohol free and these items are not permitted onsite. Smoking is also banned onsite – inside rooms and on the grounds. If you are a smoker, you will need to head off camp grounds. As the camp is about quality time away from the pressures of our lives, we also ask for no loud music, no intrusive tech devices and for people to refrain from using mobile phones in camp areas, such as our yoga spaces and dorm rooms – this is for the peace and enjoyment for all guests. Yogafest Retreat also is a meat-free environment and we ask that people don’t bring meat products onsite either. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, please let organisers know.

No. We prefer people not to bring their own food and drink and to enjoy the beautiful vegetarian food that is lovingly prepared for us each meal by our volunteer cooks. There are no cooking facilities for guests to use or places to store food. If you feel you need some extra snacks during the day then you are welcome to cater for that, like nuts and dried fruits.

Seva is a sanskrit word which can translate to “selfless service”. Seva is common in ashrams in India as a way to give back to the community in attendance. It’s a lovely way to connect with the community, to share the spirit that we’re all here together to enjoy and from a practical note it means a lot of jobs get done around the retreat that would otherwise require paid staff, meaning the cost of Yogafest Retreat can be kept affordable for you! We ask each participant to do two seva jobs over the weekend as a goodwill gesture for each other as well as to keep our retreat running smoothly. You will select these jobs after registering at the event.

Do I have to do everything on the program? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:35:22+00:00

No. It’s your retreat weekend and as we are set in the beautiful landscape of native bush and the sea at Somers, this is a perfect time to rest, restore, enjoying the peace and quiet. The program is full and is offered by the large team of teachers so that there is something for everybody.

I’m new to yoga – will I be ok with the classes? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:33:23+00:00

Yes. Each class will have options to accommodate for yoga beginners, as well as up to two assistants roaming the room to ensure all students are safe. If you would like to discuss your practice and experience at any time at the retreat, there is a large group of staff on board to assist.

What level are the yoga and meditation classes? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:30:03+00:00

Yoga classes range from beginner to experienced and will be highlighted for ease of participation. Teachers are experienced in presenting classes for different capabilities and ensure students are well cared for. Meditation sessions in mornings and evenings are held together in one group and provide a supportive environment for all participants. Yoga classes are themed according to a class intention and are presented with a range of options to cater for the various levels. If you would like to discuss your experience with Yogafest organisers before attending please email us info@yogafestretreat.com. There is also a large group of teachers working at Yogafest ready to help, talk about safe options and your practice at any time.

Please contact Yogafest organisers if you would like to discuss bringing children via email: info@yogafestretreat.com The camp site is child-friendly, however Yogafest Retreat currently does not run specific programs for children and children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

What if I have dietary restrictions/concerns? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:24:21+00:00

After you have booked and paid for your time, please contact Yogafest organisers to discuss your restrictions on info@yogafestretreat.com We have a very dedicated and experienced team of cooks who are happy to consider options where necessary. The food served is vegetarian and there are always options of what to eat each meal so you can self-manage restrictions as well. We prefer that people do not bring their own food onsite. Personal food cannot be stored in the main kitchen nor can guests use the cooking facilities.

Can I come for one day (or one day and night)? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:44:14+00:00

Yes. You can come for a full day on Saturday or Sunday and / or stay over night. Please see bookings for securing these options. We prefer that you book and pay on-line by 6th June rather than turning up for a day without pre-booking. Pre-booking helps us to plan classes and meals etc.

Is there a car pooling/share ride option? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:42:54+00:00

Yes. We aim to connect people who are looking for rides with those offering. When you register you will be asked if this is relevant. A Yogafest organiser will then be in touch to coordinate trips that are needed.

What are the best ways to get to Yoga Fest? YogaFest
2017-03-25T23:39:05+00:00

By Car: Follow M1, Eastlink/M3 and Mornington Peninsula Fwy/Peninsula Link/M11 to Mornington-Tyabb Rd/C782 in Moorooduc. Take the exit from Mornington Peninsula Fwy and continue on Mornington-Tyabb Rd/C782. Take Coolart Rd/C785 and follow to Somers.

Yogafest Retreat is held twice yearly – as per Victorian Holiday Weekends: each Queen’s Birthday Weekend (second Monday in June) and each Melbourne Cup Weekend (second Tuesday in November). Yogafest Retreat runs from Friday night until Monday morning on these two weekends.

Our retreats are held at the Lord Somers Camp in the quiet nook of Somers on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Somers is close to Hastings, Bittern and Merricks, right on the edge of beautiful Western Port Bay. For more information visit: http://www.lordsomerscamp.com/ and http://www.lordsomerscamp.com/location/ for details on where Lord Somers Camp is.

About

Yogafest Retreat is a sensational weekend away, where beginners to long-time committed yogis come together to celebrate all elements of yoga, and a yogic life.